Affairs have been blamed
for the collapse of half of all the troubled marriages in Northern
Ireland.

Wednesday, 2 January 2008

Affairs blamed for NI divorces

Affairs have been blamed
for the collapse of half of all the troubled marriages in Northern
Ireland.

Secret liasions is one of the reasons marriages break
down

Boredom and financial pressure were also among the
key reasons for irreconcilable break-downs, a new survey has revealed.

The study by the InsideDivorce.com website said affairs were blamed
for relationship difficulties by 50% of those taking part from Northern
Ireland, compared to an average of 27% across the UK.

Relate Northern Ireland chief executive Gerald Clarke said: "There is
a lot of economic hardship and the aftermath of the Troubles leaving a
lot of people scarred as a result of what has gone on.

"While it is being brushed under the carpet, it still leaves a scar."

Apart from secret liaisons, money and couples in loveless marriages,
other causes of separation included domestic abuse, lack of sex, stress
caused by Christmas breakdown in communications.

In 2006, just under 2,600 marriages ended, the largest tally yet.

For couples married in the mid-1980s, an estimated one-in-six
relationships ended by the 20th wedding anniversary.

The stress of Christmas is one of the reasons for
divorces

Researchers said 60% of divorcees counted boredom as a flaw in their
marriage, compared to 29% in the rest of the UK.

Domestic violence was less of a problem in Northern Ireland, with
one-in-10 highlighting abuse.

Northern Ireland people were more likely to suffer emotionally, with
one-in-two left a wreck by the separation. Only 10% cited lack of sex as
an issue.

The days after Christmas are among the busiest for divorce lawyers,
with a stressful Christmas often the final nail in the marital coffin.

Most divorces at this time of year are instigated by women and more
infidelities are committed during the Christmas party season than at any
other time of the year.

Mr Clarke added: "Christmas is always a stressful time when it comes
to relationships because of the myth presented by the media that puts
individuals and couples under enormous emotional and financial pressure
to live up to the image created.

"Most people can't afford it or are disappointed because their
expectations are not being fulfilled."